Living & Transport Calculators
Free financial calculators for UAE residents
At a glance
What a month in the UAE costs
These are the monthly-expenses calculator’s own starting figures for a moderate lifestyle — the point every budget below begins from, before you move a single slider.
- Couple in Dubai, moderate lifestyle
- AED 22,425 a month, all in
- The same couple in another emirate
- AED 21,625 in Abu Dhabi, AED 18,375 in Sharjah
- Family with school-age children in Dubai
- AED 29,600 a month once school fees are in
- How much of that is housing
- 46% of the Dubai total — AED 10,350 of rent, cooling and DEWA
- Petrol at the pump
- AED 3.49 a litre for Special 95, re-set every month
- Salik toll per crossing
- AED 6 at peak, AED 4 at low-peak, free 01:00–06:00, plus 5% VAT
- Car insurance in the ownership model
- 3.5% of the car’s value in year one, easing to 2.4% by year 5
Household totals are the monthly-expenses engine’s own defaults; pump prices come from the UAE fuel price committee and toll charges from Salik (RTA Dubai). Last verified 2026-08-06.
Managing living costs in the UAE requires careful budgeting across multiple expense categories: housing (rent or mortgage), utilities (DEWA, internet, mobile), groceries and dining, transportation, school fees (if applicable), healthcare, entertainment, and savings goals. Our Monthly Expenses Calculator helps you create a comprehensive budget that accounts for all these categories, ensuring you have a realistic picture of what it costs to live comfortably in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates. The calculator also provides a recommended monthly salary based on your expense profile, helping you negotiate compensation packages or plan your move to the UAE. Its own starting point is AED 22,425 a month for a couple in Dubai — AED 21,625 in Abu Dhabi, AED 18,375 in Sharjah, and AED 29,600 once school-age children are in the picture — of which 46% is housing.
The Car vs Taxi Calculator is particularly useful for residents deciding between car ownership and using ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem. Car ownership in the UAE involves purchase price, financing costs, insurance (our model charges 3.5% of the car's value in year one, easing to 2.4% by year 5), registration and renewal fees, fuel (AED 3.49 a litre for Special 95), Salik at up to AED 6 a crossing, parking fees (especially in Dubai), maintenance, and depreciation. Compare this against monthly taxi usage costs to determine which option makes more financial sense for your lifestyle and usage patterns. Many residents find that for moderate usage (under 1,000km per month), ride-hailing can be more cost-effective than owning a car, especially when factoring in parking costs in areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown, or Business Bay.
All cost estimates are based on current market rates, utility tariffs, fuel prices, and typical expense patterns for expat families in the UAE. We update our data monthly to reflect changes in rental rates, utility costs, fuel prices, and other living expenses. Use these calculators to create realistic budgets, compare lifestyle choices, plan your move to the UAE, or evaluate whether your current salary is sufficient for your desired lifestyle. Proper budget planning helps you make informed decisions about housing, transportation, and other major expenses, ensuring financial stability during your time in the UAE.
Content verified by Varun Punjabi, Founder & CEO • Cost of living data verified monthly
Monthly Expenses Calculator
Your complete monthly budget for Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah — it opens on AED 22,425 a month for a Dubai couple on a moderate lifestyle.
FIRE Calculator
Calculate your FIRE number and early retirement timeline. Compare Dubai vs India, Thailand, Portugal.
Car vs Taxi Calculator
Owning a car against taxis and Careem over five years — petrol at AED 3.49 a litre, insurance at 3.5% of the car's value in year one.